EPA’s Annual Enforcement Results Shows Significant Increase in Enforcement Activity to Protect Communities from Pollution

Summary:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its Annual Enforcement Results for Fiscal Year 2023, highlighting significant increases in enforcement activity to protect communities from pollution. The report shows increased on-site inspections, new criminal investigations, civil settlements, and cleanup enforcement. EPA's revitalized enforcement program focused on addressing 21st century environmental challenges, including climate change, environmental justice, and PFAS. Notable achievements include:

Conducted a record number of on-site inspections in environmental justice communities (60%), exceeding the 30% goal set for 2026
Opened 199 criminal investigations, a 70% increase over FY 2022
Concluded 1,789 civil settlements, with over 55% addressing facilities in communities with potential environmental justice concerns
Reduced, treated, eliminated, or minimized 1.84 billion pounds of pollutants and collected over $704 million in penalties, fines, and restitution

These results demonstrate EPA's commitment to addressing environmental challenges and holding polluters accountable, particularly in underserved and overburdened communities.